Golden Opportunities

A little Birdie told me that we've got a special father's day present for you golf-loving dads (okay, and moms too). We've got a real pro joining us today. He's Ron Tristano, PGA professional and manager of Akron General Medical Center. Ron's got "above par" advice to improve our golf game as we age. He'll also "link" us up with news about how the Challenge Golf Program helps stroke survivors, folks with hip replacements, and others with "handicaps" to get back on "course".

Question: It's no secret that so many seniors love to golf. And that's a good thing-because golfing has a lot of health benefits. Can you explain?

<span class="QA">Answer: </span> Golf is a wonderful way to promote wellness among seniors. Other sports, like basketball or baseball, might become more difficult as we age but golf, especially if you walk the course, is plenty of exercise that is not overly demanding on your body.
It's also a great source of social interaction during retirement.

Question: As we get older, our golf game might start to decline due to arthritis, or loss of strength. But you've brought along some equipment that can help seniors adapt. Can you show us?

<span class="QA">Answer: </span> As we age, we may not have the flexibility and strength that we used to, and the movements needed in golf-shoulder turns and hip turns-may be more difficult. This equipment may help.
This club has an arthritic grip. The grip is bigger and spiny rather than soft. The golfer can therefore grip the club more easily.
There are also lighter clubs with flexible shafts. As we get older, having enough club speed can become an issue. These clubs bend and flex for the golfer, providing more torque.

Question: Are there any simple techniques or adjustments to improve our game you can show us.

<span class="QA">Answer: </span> Sure. Many golfers believe they still have to swing back all the way, but you can modify to a ¾ swing.
Snapping the wrist can also give you much more power in your swing.

Question: Now, at Edwin Shaw, the Challenge Golf Program helps people who have had more serious problems-strokes, hip replacements, amputations, etc. regain their golf game, or even start playing for the first time. Tell us more about the program.

<span class="QA">Answer: </span> We have a three-hole golf course and a driving range where we help people who have had strokes, hip replacements, amputations etc. The patients, once they are physically able, work with a therapist to get them playing again.or get them to play for the first time. Golf can be played by people of any ability level.
We help them make adjustments and help them adapt. Sometimes, people need to lean on some special equipment for balance or they can sit in these four-wheel scooters to hit the ball.

Don't let a physical handicap raise your handicap. Even if you've had a stroke, you can improve your stroke. To learn more about Akron General Medical Center's Challenge Golf Program, call the number that's next. My thanks to Ron Tristano.